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Smog engulfs Delhi post flurry of crackers on Diwali
The capital's air quality had entered the severe zone on Diwali night as people burst firecrackers on Diwali in a blatant disregard to the government's ban on it amid a sharp increase in smoke from farm fires. Credit: PTI Photo
Residents in many parts of Delhi-NCR also woke up with an itchy throat and watery eyes as a thick layer of acrid smog engulfed the region following rampant crackers bursting on Diwali night. A likely increase in fumes from farm fires will add further woes to this situation. Credit: PTI Photo
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average concentration of lung-damaging fine particles known as PM2.5 in Delhi-NCR shot up from 243 micrograms per cubic metre at 6 pm on Diwali day to 410 micrograms per cubic metre on November 5 morning, around seven times the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre. Credit: PTI Photo
The extremely calm wind conditions in Delhi combines with a 25 per cent stubble share are two major factors of pollution. Credit: PTI Photo
During winter months pollution levels surge in northern India, as lower temperatures and a drop in wind speed tend to trap pollutants in the air longer. Credit: PTI Photo
Every year, either government authorities or India's Supreme Court impose a ban on firecrackers. But the bans rarely appear to be enforced. Credit: PTI
Airborne PM2.5 can cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases such as lung cancer. And, in India, toxic air kills more than a million people annually. Credit: PTI Photo
Vehicles ply amid low visibility due to a thick layer of smog, a day after Diwali celebrations in New Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo
The neighbouring cities of Faridabad (454), Greater Noida (410), Ghaziabad (438), Gurgaon (473) and Noida (456) also recorded severe air quality on the next day of Diwali. Credit: Reuters Photo
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